Most people expect their furniture to last a very long time. According to one survey, more than 92% said they fully expect their wooden furniture to last for decades. This could be one reason so many people are reluctant to part with any of their furniture and many opt instead to build or buy sheds and garages to store their precious belongings. Wood and vinyl sheds are very popular these days with homeowners.
Tips for Buying or Building Wooden or Vinyl Sheds:
Go for quality over price. Buying wooden or vinyl sheds may cost you more in the short term but they will outlast sheds constructed with other materials. Remember, quality sheds are needed to store all that furniture that you are not using but know will last a long time. Also cedar and vinyl sheds may not cost that much more than some made with cheaper materials.
Make sure your storage shed matches your home and landscaping. Sure, you want a shed to serve a specific purpose but it should also enhance, rather than detract from, the look of your property. The exterior of your home is the first thing people notice, so even if you do not go for a custom shed, you can have one that does not stick out. Consider the look you are going with for your landscaping and home when looking at different shed options.
Pick your shed materials carefully. Vinyl sheds do have the benefit of being the most durable. If your home has vinyl siding, looking only at vinyl sheds should be practically a no brainer. Vinyl sheds also require next to no maintenance. Natural wood makes the most attractive sheds. Cedar sheds are very pretty, for example. One drawback to wood sheds is they have problems when they are exposed to the elements and over time can rot. Steel sheds are susceptible to rust and other problems. Particle board and plywood can be enticing because they are cheap but you are only asking for serious trouble if you live any place that gets any real rain.
Prepare your shed foundation before you install a shed. You need to make sure the plot where the shed will sit is as flat as possible. Put down a foundation of concrete or cinder blocks and cover that with a decent floor.
Check on your zoning laws. Check with local authorities about what kinds of permits you need (if any) to put a shed on your property. The last thing you need to do is put a shed in only to find out there are rules in your region that govern where you can place it and what materials can be used to build it.
Decide how much space you need and then add 25%. You will need more space than you think. This is especially true if you are building it to store furniture. It is rare that a homeowner thinks they have a shed that is too large but not unusual for them to think they did not build it large enough. If you are unsure about how much space you will need, still err on the side of caution and build bigger than you think.
Put on accessories that match your home. Small decorative touches can make a big difference. Even if those things are not that important to you, they will be if you ever decide you want to sell your home. Your shed will be a part of your home?s landscape for a long time and things that might seem insignificant when you put it in may grow to be a lot more important as the years wear on. Given that you want your shed to last a long time, you need to be able to stomach looking at it for a long time as well.
What happens if you outgrow your shed? This does happen. If you need more space, you have several options. The first is to tear down the old shed and put in a new one or you can install another shed.
Remember, a shed is more than just a storage facility. It is a part of your home. Follow these tips and you can make sure it is a part that you are proud to show off.
